Description
Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs deliver juicy, tender chicken infused with vibrant herbs and spices inspired by the sunny Mediterranean shores. This easy-to-prepare recipe is packed with fresh lemon, garlic, oregano, and parsley, perfect for any weeknight meal or casual gathering. With simple ingredients and a quick marinade, it offers a flavorful, healthy, and wholesome dish sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined. This mixture forms the vibrant base for infusing the chicken with flavor.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable bag, then pour the marinade over them. Make sure all pieces are coated well. Let the chicken sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours, to soak up the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high temperature and oil the grates lightly to avoid sticking. This ensures a nice sear and those irresistible grill marks on the chicken skin.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin side down on the grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Grill with the lid closed as much as possible to promote even cooking and juiciness.
- Rest and Garnish: Once grilled to an internal temperature of 165°F, remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh herbal brightness and color.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on thighs to retain extra moisture and develop crispy, flavorful skin.
- Don’t skip the marinade time; even 30 minutes imparts amazing flavor and tenderizes the meat nicely.
- Control grill heat by using medium-high to cook chicken thoroughly without burning the outside.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling for better tenderness and flavor as the juices redistribute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean grilled chicken, chicken thighs recipe, grilled chicken, healthy chicken dinner, easy Mediterranean chicken, gluten free chicken recipe